Senior Operations Lead

About the job

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About the Role

We are hiring a Senior Operations Lead to head up Central Operations for one of the fastest-growing food startups in the UK, currently scaling rapidly both domestically and internationally.

This role sits at the heart of the business — driving data-led operational decisions, supporting brand and menu activations, enabling partnerships, and leading tech and AI-driven operational improvements.

You will manage a hybrid team (on-site + offshore) and act as the operational project lead behind market launches, partnerships and growth initiatives.

This is a high ownership role in a fast-paced startup environment where structure, initiative and confidence are key.

Key Responsibilities

Central Operations Leadership

• Lead the Central Operations function and manage a team of:
  • 2 on-site operations team members
  • 2 offshore data / tech team members
• Set priorities, improve workflows and drive accountability across teams
• Act as a confident decision-maker and escalation point

Data-Driven Growth & Insights

• Work closely with data teams to identify market trends, growth opportunities and activation strategies
• Translate insights into clear operational execution plans
• Own reporting cadence, dashboards and performance tracking
• Ensure stakeholders receive timely and accurate data

Tech, Automation & AI Enablement

• Lead operational tech and data projects across the business
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency through AI tools, automation and new systems
• Partner with leadership on tech-driven operational strategy
• Support implementation and optimisation of tools and processes

Partnerships & Launch Execution

• Act as project lead behind new partner launches, menu activations and FMCG initiatives
• Coordinate between clients, commercial teams, data teams and operations
• Ensure launches are delivered on time and successfully scaled

Operational Infrastructure & Office Oversight

• Support operational readiness of office environments
• Ensure systems, tools and internal processes run smoothly
• Collaborate with the Operations Executive responsible for onboarding partners, administration and office coordination

Candidate Profile

Experience Required

• 5–8+ years experience in operations within:
  • Food startup / food tech
  • FMCG
  • QSR
  • Dark kitchen / delivery-led environments
• Experience managing or coordinating offshore teams
• Proven track record delivering operational or tech projects
• Comfortable working in high-growth, fast-moving startup environments

Skills & Attributes

• Strong analytical mindset and confidence working with data
• Excellent project and stakeholder management skills
• Highly organised and able to bring structure to ambiguity
• Tech-curious with exposure to automation / AI / operational tools
• Confident communicator with both internal teams and external partners
• High ownership mentality and proactive approach

Working Pattern

• Monday to Friday office-based role
• Flexibility required for occasional weekend work depending on launches, events or business needs

Why Join?

• Opportunity to join one of the fastest-growing food businesses in the UK
• High visibility role with real ownership and impact
• Significant scope for progression as the business scales internationally
• Work directly with senior leadership on growth strategy
• Dynamic startup culture with strong learning opportunities

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